On Friday, May 20, 2022, Christopher Lee Phillips, devoted husband and father, passed
away at the age of 51.
Chris is lovingly remembered by his wife, Janet, daughter, Isabella, parents, Gene and
Edee Phillips, his brother and wife, Dale and Margie Phillips, his sister and wife, Sheri
Phillips and Michaelle Schultz, as well as other loving family and friends.
Chris was born on August 23, 1970 in Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school,
Chris joined the army and served his country in Korea and stateside. Following his
service, he attended Penn State and that is where his life as an educator began. Chris
continued his education and received his Masters and Doctorate in Educational
Leadership from Regent University. Chris spent his entire professional life in service of
educating young minds. He worked as a Math teacher, Assistant Principal, and
Principal in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Alexandria public school districts. He went on to work
for DoDEA headquarters as a program manager of specialized content. Chris’s work
philosophy was always “students first” and he worked his entire career to improve
education for students.
A loving and supportive husband and father, there was nothing he loved more in life
than his baby girl. Chris was steadfast in his support and love of his family. He was
also a loyal and generous friend. Chris had a light about him that drew people in and a
smile that made you feel he was letting you in on a special secret. He lived a life of joy
and generously and openly spread that joy to those around him. Always quick with a
smile or a joke, he could make fast friends but also carry on life-long friendships. Chris
loved spontaneous adventures with his family, sitting on a patio with a cool beverage,
and simply spending time with the people he loved.